Let Kids Shine – May 3rd 2017

LET KIDS SHINE CAMPAIGN – MAY 3rd 2017

Please read our plan for alternative action below, spread the word as far and wide as you can… and go buy some glitter!

Let Kids Be Kids are DELIGHTED that teaching unions (NUT and ATL ) are starting to make plans to boycott SATs in 2018… it’s a shame that things didn’t move quickly enough for the children of 2017 but we want to show teachers our support for action ASAP.

We are also encouraged that the DfE is investigating primary assessment and talking of scrapping Year 2 SATs in 2020. We are concerned though that so many children are STILL going to be put through flawed tests and the narrowed curriculum in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Parental action in 2016 was fantastic and no doubt encouraged this change. Media attention in 2017 is going to be focused on the election… SATs will not get much of a mention. We need a different approach to ensure the SATs of 2017 don’t go unmarked or ignored… we’d hate those with the power to make change think we no longer care!

Many parents are boycotting the tests and we hope that you will all continue to share plans and ideas on this page in support of this. But we know that’s not possible for everyone, especially in our post-Platt, Orwellian school fines system!

Here’s a suggestion of how we can all mark May 3rd 2017… in a very sparkly and shiny way to highlight that childhood should never by dulled down and that the SATs system is a mess!

LET KIDS SHINE CAMPAIGN – MAY 3rd 2017 PARENTAL ACTION

This year on 3rd May we’re asking you to send glittery letters and cards to teachers and heads to thank them for helping your child to SHINE, despite the narrowed curriculum they are asked to deliver in order to pass the ridiculous tests. Get your children to help you make the cards as SHINY and SPARKLY as you can and pop in something like this little poem to encourage them to take action alongside their unions…

We’ve signed the petitions, we’ve been on strike,
we’ve posted and tweeted with all our might.
We’ve nearly got there – change will come…
but 2020 is just too long!
Our hope rests with you to boycott the SATs…
to put a stop to this madness at last!
Please use your ballot to boycott – it’s high time!
Together we can make our children sparkle and shine!

LET KIDS SHINE CAMPAIGN – MAY 3rd 2017 TEACHER / HEADTEACHER ACTION

On May 3rd perhaps staff could wear something super sparkly to work?! We know many teachers feel they can’t openly speak out but this might be a way to show us your support in a secret, sparkly way?! Wonderful heads who support the notion that primary assessment needs a drastic overhaul could even hold a sparkly non-uniform day and encourage children to SHINE all day long!

Here’s FANTASTIC poster for your school to use… thanks to @flossieandjimdesigns!

LET KIDS SHINE CAMPAIGN – THROUGHOUT MAY 2017 – LET’S ALL REMIND POLITICIANS OF THE MESS THEY’VE CREATED

Please send a lovely glittery card to a politician you think needs a reminder of how childhood should be… and for good measure pop in an extra handful of glitter as you seal the envelope for a lovely surprise upon opening! Each little grain of glitter on their carpet might make them think about all those little children who are still being put through SATs and the total mess that’s been created!

Here’s a suggested message for the inside of your card:

Dear MP,
We have high standards for our children – we want them to SPARKLE and SHINE during their childhood, developing a life-long love of learning and an excitement for the wonders of the world. The DfE have identified that the current primary assessment system is a MESS but are prepared to wait until 2020 to make any change. Parents and teachers are the ones currently clearing up the MESS that’s been created by SATs… it’s taking a lot longer for us than it will for you to sweep up this glitter. We hope our glittery message serves as a reminder of the MILLIONS of children still suffering a narrowed curriculum, in a dulled down, test driven school system which does not encourage our nation’s children to SHINE. Waiting until 2020 to make a change is immoral and unfair; our children are the future of this country – they only get one chance at their education and they need your help. Stop the SATs – and the damage – now!

Our Aim

We SUPPORT teachers and schools who want to see an end to high stakes primary testing.
Ending externally set SATS is a step towards returning to a curriculum of teacher led joy and wonder... moving away from teaching to test and towards an inspiring and creative journey through primary school.
We want our kids to be kids... not robots in exam factory testing machines!